Coastal and Tropical South

February, 2010
Regional Report

Favorite or New Plant

Rosa 'Darcy Bussell'
'Darcey Bussell' is a 3'x3' shrub, a front-of-the-bed rose, reblooming in clusters that open red and age to mauve. The rose was introduced in 2006 but has only just become widely available. Noted for great heat tolerance and disease resistance, the 'Darcey Bussell' rose is deceptively sweet-looking, rather like the prima ballerina for whom she is named. Ms. Bussell retired from the Royal Ballet after a career that spanned 18 years and included the Order of the British Empire, presented to her by Queen Elizabeth in 1995. Visit the website www.davidaustinroses.com to see all their roses, including a fine selection of fragrant English roses selected specifically for our climate. Yes, even zone 10.

Tool or Gardening Product

Potato Grow Bag
Gardeners Supply solves the problem of heavy cold soil with their Potato Bin. Made of porous fabric rather like landscape weed barrier cloth but heavier, the bag is sturdy. The fabric aerates the roots, prevents waterlogging of the potatoes, and prevents heat build up despite its black color. If you've hesitated about growing spuds because winter digging is not your thing, go for this handy container. It holds 15 gallons of loose organic material, stands 18" high, and is reputed to produce more than 10 pounds of potatoes in one reasonably priced container.